How to Make an Overbust Corset

An over-bust corset is worn over the bust as the name denotes. It can be strapless, haltered or with any other sleeve style and can be cropped or worn long in the torso. The variance in styles of over-bust corsets makes it easy for even the novice sewing hobbyist to create one of their own. Whether you want to wear it as a piece of sexy underwear or edgy outerwear, knowing how to make an over-bust corset is easy and enjoyable.

Skill level:

Moderately Easy

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Things you need

Measuring tape

Fabric roll

Marker

Fabric glue

Zipper strip

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Instructions

1

Measure the width of your bust, the length of your torso and the width of your waist. If you want a hip-resting corset, measure the width of your hips as well.

2

Unroll the fabric roll by about a yard, choosing a fabric that is appropriate to the style you want for your corset. Draw a rough outline of the corset you want to design using the measurements of your bust, waist and torso. If you already have a corset, use it as a pattern to trace on the fabric. Drawing the design free handed allows you to create the lines you desire for the bust and waist area.

3

Cut out the outline from the fabric. Repeat step 2 and cut out the second fabric shape.

4

Place one of the cut-out pieces of fabric in front of you with the print side facing downward. Squeeze a line of fabric glue along all edges of the cut-out. Layer the second cut-out over the first with the print side facing upward. Press along the edges firmly to adhere them.

5

Squeeze a line of glue down one side of the border of the zipper strip. Adhere this glued side, with the tab-side of the zipper facing down, to the far-right edge of the corset fabric shape. Make sure the zipper strip is as long as the length of the corset fabric. For example, 19-inches is an adequate and common shirt and corset length, so the zipper should be as well.

6

Fold the right-side of the corset inward, meeting it to the far-left side of the corset. This turns the tab-side of the zipper strip upward. Squeeze a line of glue down the left-side of the zipper strip and adhere it to the left side of the corset. This creates the tube-top like form of the corset. Let it dry for 30 minutes. From here, the corset is simply wrapped around your midsection and then zipped from behind.

Tips and warnings

Embellish the edges of the corset with decorative lace border or beaded embroidery. You can also use iron-on patches to decorate and customise your corset.